Haylee Rose

Sophomore Haylee Rose proclaimed the theme. Junior MyLinh Schell had the words.

“Hustle and Heart Set Us Apart” read big letters on Rose’s T-shirt at the Naselle practice.

Last year, Schell helped the Comets earn their third-place trophy at the Yakima SunDome. On a senior-dominated squad, she came off the bench and made two vital plays, diving full-length to keep momentum in their favor.

Volleyball is her only sport; her coach says the junior brings “spark and energy.”

“We have got a really good team this year, we are pretty young and have some talent that is going to grow and get better!” Schell said.

Rebekah Wirkkala has coached the team since 2016. She is optimistic, knowing most rival teams lost significant seniors to graduation. “I see us being scrappy, with the incentive of not letting the ball hit the floor!” she said.

‘Flies’

Last year, led by five multi-sport senior athletes who had played together for years, the goal was spelled out at the first practice: third at 1B state. It was with delight that the Comets achieved exactly that last November, improving on their fifth-place finish the year before.

Three of last year’s seniors signed to continue their volleyball careers at the college level: Bella Colombo at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, Calif., and Kaylin Shrives at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany, Ore. Brynn Tarabochia is attending Lower Columbia College in Longview, although her coach said a lingering injury is preventing her from playing.

Wirkkala is building her 2023 squad around returning players, including last year’s sixth starter, Brookie Davis, now a sophomore.

Experienced seniors Nicole Steenerson, Kayli Wirkkala and Gladys Wilson were among leaders at a recent practice. “We have some that can hit hard,” said Coach Wirkkala.

She noted another senior, Avalon Sullivan, is demonstrating a good serve. Rose will be a good contributor, and classmate Sadie Kilponen and freshman Sophia Colombo are good passers and defensive specialists, she said. “There’s so many that have the potential.”

Sophomore Mylee Dunagan is stepping up after a stellar track season that concluded with three state medals. “She flies!” Wirkkala smiled. Another track athlete is her classmate, Paige Haataja. “She has soft hands and is very strong,” the coach said.

Juniors include Audrina Bennett, Ava Myers-Marshall, Evelyn Normand and Abbi Sabey. Sophomores include Jaylee Bonk, Mallory Helvey and Aine Martin.

“In the freshman class, there is a lot of talent,” Wirkkala said. Chloe Bergeson, Maddie Dielman, Lily Holt, Kayla Jensen, Brianna Johnson, Kaytie Johnson, Aubry Katyryniuk, Cara Laine, Violet Normand, Shaylee Suomela and Rylee Varila signed up.

“It is exciting we have a big group,” the coach added.

‘Close’

The season begins with a Sept. 5 trip to Onalaska, then the Sept. 8 Yakima tournament. The squad went last year, giving those who had never been to state a taste of the stadium that is 1B volleyball nirvana. Next up, the Comets host 2B neighbors Wahkiakum Sept. 11. Big rivals Mossyrock are on Naselle’s calendar Sept. 19 (away) and Oct. 12 (home).

Wirkkala’s assistant coaches are Hanna Higginbotham and Kayti Updike. At practice, the trio’s skills and enthusiasm blend as if one voice.

“It’s a really close team,” said Updike. “I don’t think we have the same pumped-up energy as we did last year, but these are girls who really care about each other.

“Their teamwork will carry them through. We have ‘mother bear’ seniors. There’s a comfort on this team.”

Naselle Volleyball

Sept. 5 Onalaska (a)

Sept. 8 Yakima tournament (a)

Sept. 11 Wahkiakum (h)

Sept. 14 Firm Foundation, Battle Ground (a)

Sept. 19 Mossyrock (a)

Sept. 20 Columbia Adventist Academy, Battle Ground (a)

Sept. 26 Willapa Valley (s)

Sept. 28 Pe Ell (h)

Oct. 3 Three Rivers Christian (h)

Oct. 9 Ocosta (a)

Oct. 10 Firm Foundation (h)

Oct. 12 Mossyrock (h)

Oct. 13 Neah Bay (h)

Oct. 14 Adna tournament (a)

Oct. 17 Col. Adventist (h)

Oct. 19 Willapa Valley (h)

Oct. 24 Pe Ell (a)

Oct. 26 Three Rivers, Longview (a)

Varsity games only; times vary

Post-season TBA